2010-2011 New Van and Minivan Buyers Guide

The Ultimate Guide to All the Newest Vans and Minivans Vehicles

What a difference a year makes. Commercial vans, work vans, and minivans survived last year's gas price spike to live another day. The notion of what a family hauler has evolved. And crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is a more common acronym than ever. Confused? Don't sweat it. We sort it out for you right here, including specs on all the new van models, and our famous tongue-in-cheek star ratings. Let the shopping begin.

Ratings:
Beats Walking *
For Your Neighbors **
Right On The Money ***
Fuel For Your Soul ****
Drive Before You Die *****

WHAT'S NEW: Chevy's utilitarian business van maintains its pragmatism in 2010 with a short list of upgrades. The 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L engines are now E85 capable and all utilize variable valve timing. The 2500 and 3500 models receive the 6L90 6A gearbox, as well as revised rear axles for improvements in low-rpm torque, fuel economy, and driveability.

COOL FACT: Compared with truck engines of a decade ago, the Gen IV engine family is approximately 90-percent cleaner.

WHAT'S NEW: All trim levels receive driver and front-passenger active head restraints. Rear-obstacle detection display is in the electronic vehicle information center (EVIC is now offered in all T&Cs). The only other news: the axle ratio in the Limited goes from 3.25 to 3.16. Features such as Swivel 'N Go, Stow 'N Go, and a removable table are still available.

COOL FACT: One option is a rear dome light that also serves as a removable flashlight.

WHAT'S NEW: Thanks to the use of a 3.0L common-rail turbodiesel with aftertreatment, the Sprinter meets 2010 federal emissions standards. Engine also provides more power (up 31 to 185) and torque (up 45 to 325) than last year. Other news: trailer-sway control was added to the ESP, hill-start assist is now standard.

COOL FACT: During MT's recent Best Driver's Car event, a Sprinter 2500 served as a generator for the test equipment, running 12 hours each day.

WHAT'S NEW: The E-Series returns unchanged for 2010. It's available as a wagon or commercial van, with four engines and two transmissions. It comes with airbags for the driver and front passenger, AdvanceTrac, tire-pressure monitoring, and side-intrusion door beams standard, and options include integrated trailer brake controller and a rearview camera.

COOL FACT: Optional Ford Work Solutions allows you to keep track of tools, access the Internet, and offer diagnostics from the cab.

WHAT'S NEW: Ford's van may be new to North America, but it's been a popular seller in Europe for nearly a decade. The Transit Connect is shorter than a midsize sedan, yet is said to provide the cargo capacity of a commercial van (but will fit in a garage), and is aimed squarely at small-business owners. The only powertrain option is a 2.0L four backed by a 4A.

COOL FACT: The Transit Connect's 1600-lb payload is comparable to that of a half-ton pickup.

WHAT'S NEW: As with its slightly downscale Chevy cousin, the more upscale, yet still practical people and cargo mover receives remote vehicle start and E85 capability for its 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L engines. The Savana 2500 and 3500 models also benefit from a 6A tranny and revised rear axles, which deliver autograde braking.

COOL FACT: A fast-idle option on models powered by the 6.0L V-8, makes it easier to run accessories while the vehicle is idling.

WHAT'S NEW: Falling somewhere in function between a minivan and a small SUV, the Rondo is still offered with I-4 and V-6 engines, and LX and EX trim levels. The side mirrors now have integrated turn-signal indicators, and there are new wheel designs for 2010. An EcoMinder indicator is standard and a rear backup camera and trip computer are new options.

BEST BUY: Opting for the third row and the V-6 will provide efficient power and the ability to carry seven people at a bargain price.

WHAT'S NEW: The Sedona is available as a base-model short wheelbase or as a long-wheelbase minivan in LX or EX trims. The 3.8L V-6 was recalibrated for 2010 for improved refinement. There are new chrome accents inside and out, and the EX gets a new rear spoiler. A rearview backup camera is standard on the EX and optional on the rest of the line.

COOL FACT: One of very few minivans on the market offered in two wheelbase lengths.

WHAT'S NEW: Limited changes. It shouldn't come as a surprise that the R320 BlueTEC is now the R350. Besides a new name, the BlueTEC gains, as standard, chrome trim, blue-tinted glass, and darkened tail lenses. The R350 4Matic gets 19-in. wheels, privacy glass, and the darker tail lenses. As with other M-Bs, all models get a new leather steering wheel.

BEST BUY: While the R350 BlueTEC costs some $1500 more, its better fuel economy and greater low-end grunt make it the perfect team hauler.

WHAT'S NEW: While Nissan would only admit “considering the possibility” of bringing its new NV200 to the U.S., we can confirm that this compact hauler is built on the firm's B-platform, offers seating for up to seven in passenger form, and space/features/flexibility to rival the new Ford Transit Connect. Euro/Japanese versions have 1.6L gas and 1.5L diesel engines.

WHAT'S NEW: While specifics remain TBD, next year Nissan will introduce a production version of the NV2500 to compete with vehicles like the Dodge Sprinter and Chevy Express/GMC Savana. The concept NV2500—dubbed a “rolling idea lab”—is based on a modified Titan chassis and features innovative and flexible approaches to storage, access, and utility.

COOL FACT: The NV2500 will be built in Canton, Mississippi, offer a Nissan-Cummins turbodiesel V-8, and use a new ZF automatic trans.

WHAT'S NEW: Nothing new for the 2010 Sienna (CE/LE/XLE/XLE Limited)—including its price that also remains in 2009 trim. All versions of Toyota's personable people mover feature a responsive 265-hp V-6, smooth-shifting 5A, and the comprehensive STAR safety system. Three top trims offering category-exclusive optional AWD as well as baseline FWD.

WHAT'S NEW: The Routan heads into its sophomore year with a complete change up in trim levels. Taking a page from Honda, there are now several trim levels packaged with options (S, SE, SE w/RSE, SE w/Nav+RSE, SEL w/Nav, SEL w/Nav+RSE, and SEL Premium w/Nav+RSE). All the levels improve their offerings, with Bluetooth now standard on all but the S.

COOL FACT: The name Routan is a play on Touran, the name of Volkswagen's small van sold around the world.